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PARTINGTON SHOW 


Duhlix 


j RUSSIAN 
REVELS 


PROVES STAGE NATURAL 


RUSSIAN 
REVELS 


Opinion 


Vol. II 


Publix Theatres Corporation, Paramount Building, New York, Week of Dec. 31st, 1927 


No. 6 


~ > 


RUSSIAN REVELS 
‘COMBINES SPEED 
~ FUN AND FROLIC 


Berkoff Dancers and 
-Ormonds Sure Show- 
_ Steppers 


_ Peppy entertainment is the] _ 
keynote of ‘‘Russian Revels,’’| ] 
Jack Partington’s Publix stage | ; 
production. From the opening | 
number to the grand finale | 
‘there is not a dull moment. - || 
The revue features Louis and | 
Frieda Berkoff and the Berkoff 
-oetet of dancers, undoubtedly |) 
the most talented and most ver- 
satile troupe that has yet ap- 
peared in a Publix stage show. 
Co-featured with the Berk- 
offs are the Ormond Sisters, 
three pretty singers and dan- 
cers who have been featured in| 
numerous Broadway musical 
productions. 
‘Russian Revels’’ opens 
with a Russian folk festival 


SERVICE REWARDED! 


NAMED AS VICE-PRESIDENT 


SAM DEMBOW, JR., WINS 
PROMOTION AS REWARD 
FOR VALUED SERVICE 


At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Publix Theatres 
Corporation, héld last week, Sam Dembow, Jr., was elected vice- 
president, which position has been vacant since the resignation 
of Harold B. Franklin nearly a year ago. Members of the or- 
ganization throughout the broad field of Publix will rejoice with 
those in the home office at this worthy promotion from the ranks 
of our personnel. Mr. Dembow joined the home office staff nearly 
two and a half years ago, assuming the direction of the Buying 
and Booking department. 

He brought with him a wide experience in the motion picture 
and theatre fields, having been for many years associated sue- 
cessively with William Fox, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and 
the Rothschild theatre enterprises on the West Coast. For the 
| past few months he has been closely associated with President 
Sam Katz as the latter’s executive assistant. Every member 
of the home office organization knows him as a friend as well asa 
capable executive and the staff of Publix Opinion takes this 


which introduces The Don Vo- 
eal Four, a talented quartet | 
which sets the show off to a 
speedy start. Stella Stepanoff 
and M. Vodnoy follow with a 
comedy hit in which their syn- 
-copated rendition of a Russian 
‘number earns them a big hand. 
‘For an encore Vodnoy gives a/|| 
curtain speech in Russian dia-| 
lect which evokes a score of 
ughs. The stage band ren- 
dition of ‘‘Russian Fantasy’’ is 
followed by the Ormond Sisters 
as toy soldiers, in which they 
execute a novel and applause- 
compelling routine of taps, to 
the accompanying ‘‘March of 
the Wooden Soldiers.’’ A rope 
dance by the Berkoff Girls pro- 
vides one of the best novelty 
ensembles that has appeared in 
a Publix stage show, with the 
girls dancing on and off from 
the orchestra pit. In their sec- 
ond appearance the Ormond 
Sisters harmonize two popular 
numbers, followed by a fast tap 
danee, which at the Paramount 
Theatre stopped practically 
every show. A novelty instru- 
mental number by the stage 
band is ‘‘I Love My Volga 
Boatman,’’ with the members 
of the band appearing behind 
Russian caricature masks at- 
tached to megaphones through 
which they chant. the chorus. 

_ Danse Acrobatique by the 
Berkoff Girls reveals these tal- 
ented youngsters going through 
an acrobatic routine. Each girl 
exeeutes tricks as difficult as 
those performed by any solo 
acrobatie dancer now appear- 
ing behind the footlights. Louis 
ind Frieda Berkoff in their Rus- 
sian specialty dancing execute 
the most difficult steps with a 
erace and rhythm that resulted 
in thunderous applause at the 
Paramount, and should go 
-qually big in any theatre. 


CONTENTS CONFIDENTIAL! 


a 


Sam Dembow, Jr., who has been elected vice-president of Publix 
Theatres Corporation 


HOW ABOUT IT BOYS? 
WE’RE STILL WAITING 


On December 12th there was sent out a letter on the 
matter of unit show adyertising managers taking advantage 
of the material supplied from the home office on the unit 
shows, recounting the necessity for a tickler file, and re- 
questing constant contact with this office. 


This letter was mimeographed because it was not pos- 
sible to write an individual letter in so many cases. At 
the bottom of this letter was written ‘‘A reply to this letter 
will be appreciated.’’ 


This. letter was sent out December 12, and at the close 
of the old year, December 31, just two weeks and five days, 
only two replies have been received—one from Ernest Mor- 
rison m Atlanta and the other from Oscar Doob in Detroit. 


A. M. BOTSFORD. 


Sea tee 


oceasion to extend to him heartiest felicitations and best wishes 


for many Happy New ¥ears. 


FUNNY FELLOW 
THIS UKRANIAN 


The first Ukranian character 
comedian to entertain the Amer- 
ican public in'the U: S. is at the 
Fie ee Theatre this week with 
“Russian Revels,” in a -comedy 
sketch that is guaranteed to win 
additional honors for him and his 
partner. Matthew Vodnoy was a 
dramatic actor until he turned to 
lighter characterizations. He was 
at one time a member of the com- 
pany of Orlenoff, one of the great- 
est actors of Russia and Ukrania. 


| Vodnoy was born in the Asiatic 


Caucasians where he entered a 
naval academy when he became 
of age. In the mess hall of the 
academy he often entertained his 
fellow students. The commander 
of the school saw him one evening 
and told him that he was a better 
actor than a sailor so he packed 
up his things and joined a Uk- 
ranian troupe by the name 
Haidanaky. He rapidly outgrew 
this small company and worked 
himself up to the stellar position 
he now holds. 


DON VOCAL QUARTETTE 
IN “RUSSIAN REVELS” 


The Don Vocal Quartet, the 
Russian quadrille of singers ap- 
pearing in ‘‘Russian Revels” at 
the et Theatre this week 
was recruited from different 
walks of life to give the theatre 
going public some real good har- 
monization. Tgor Keldich was a 
captain in the Russian Imperial 


Guards before the lure of the} 


bright lights finally fascinated 
him. Basile Evglevsky was a 
teacher, Alexis Alexandroff, the 
baritone who renders a beautiful 
solo was a rip-roaring Cossack and 
Elie Golovine was a well known 
mechanical engineer. 

This quartet of singers have 
been together for eight years but 
this is their first appearance on the 
American stage. Before they were 
given contracts to sing for the 
Publix patrons they had finished 


SCOTCH LASSIES 
IN PUBLIX SHOW 


Far more difficult than learn- 
ing the tricky execution of new 
dance steps, according to the 
Three Ormond Sisters, Nora, 
Carrie and Daisy, appearing in 
“Russian Revels,” was the 
knack of adjusting themselves 
to American customs and say- 
ings. This trio of talented 
songbirds and agile dancers 
hail from bonnie Scotland and, 
although in this country five 
years, still retain a delightful 
burr in their talk and songs. 

Referring to the difficulty 
they had learning American 
stage terms they related how, 
on one occasion, when they 
wanted a spotlight at a rehear- 
sal they said, “Give us the 
focus,” and had a hard time ex- 
plaining te the operator that 
such was the term for it abroad. 
It was equally confusing at 
first, when they referred to the 
spotlights thrown from the 


wings as “side blinders.” 

The Three Ormonds, cousins to 
Sir Harry Lauder with whom their 
father once danced, have appeared 
in numerous Broadway musical 
successes in all of which they won 
eulogies from metropolitan critics, 
They hail from an interesting 
theatrical family, their mother 
once having been a concert fa- 
vorite under the name of Mary 
Gray. They have a sister, Madge, 
Singing in opera, and a brother, 
James, a musical comedy juvenile, 


a marvelous season in Paris and 
the larger capitals of Europe. In 
Windsor Chapel they sang for the 
King of England who was so 
thrilled by their excellent voices 
that he requested the Don Vocal 
Quartet to continue their marvel- 
ous harmony until the Russians 
were completely fatigued. 


Much of the matter contained from time to time in PUBLIX OPINION is for the informa- 
tion of executives and responsible employees only, 


D and not for publication or informa- 
tion of outsiders. Therefore, 


you are cautioned not to leave your copy laying around 
on desks, FILE IT for reference. Re-write from it for staff bulletins or newspaper stories, 


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PUBLIX PERSONALITY 
TO MAKE PUBLIX TOUR 


Beauty came 


by being picked to play Lorelei in 


**Gentleme 


yoy 
1927 


EM | 


| WE DON’T BLAME 


of ats 
the Ru 
into national fame by Je 


Katz, 


n Prefer Blondes’’ 


Mr, Sam # 
Publix Th 
Paramour 


soaks Tay lor, the “blonde personality,” who after a | During 
nation-wi ‘search was selected by Jesse L. Lasky of| |] ing comm 
. a8 you the 
Barcus nt pa to create the sc screen role of Lorelei se the m 
in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” will shortly make a 


Pu 


In the course of thi 


‘tour of the leading 


City; Palace Tene 


the Metropolitan, Houst on; the Saen 
Atlanta: 


The sei 
Rialto, New York: the 
poli itan, Bosta on ; Shea’ § 
Detroit; the Indiana, 
ioe Des 


is tour Miss Tay 
Denver Theatre, Denver: 


lion ever 
tion poseibl 
dio, 

would 
with your 
cooperatt ol 
amount a | 
ambassador 
pal cities ¢ 
am bassadol 
Taylor whe 
in “Genth 
Blondes,” ~ 
| think that 


time enou 


blix theatres, 


ylor will visit the| 
Midland Theatre, Kansas 
las; the Texas, San Antonio:| 
nger, New Orleans:| 
the- Carolina, Charlotte: the) 
Olympia, New Haven: Metro-| 
Buffalo, Buffalo; the Michigan, 
Indianapolis: the Chic cago, Chi-| 
Moines, and the Riviera, Omaha. | 


Dall 


(poe fe 
Arrangements are now being made to have the book- | gy 
ings on “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” either correspond | City, Da 
with Miss Taylor’s appearance in town or to come after! | ey 
her appearance AAs soon as these booking arrangements cin ae 
are completed the exact dates on which Miss Taylor will || Buffalo, Det 
appear in the various ous on her personal appearance | Om haa 
tour will be announced. She will spend at least one day Portland, 


; ; 
and one evening in eve 


\ 


tage. Not only 
t 


Miss Taylor virtua lly 


both newspaper mesg 
manner. She vig 
in each city she visits, j 
portant motion pica 
known little 
as Peter Pan. 


extra 


girl, 


licity and exploitation can be used to the best advan- | 
i that, but she will 


attraction for one or tw. 


ry city in order that all possible || Her itimerss 
: ranged that’ 
in New Ye 


there one 


Any gentleman could be excused for preferring Ruth Taylor, | 
3 : creating the role of Lorelei in the screen version of “Gentlemen Pre- 

furnish an added stage fer Blondes,” and who will shortly make a personal appearance on | | 
the Publix circuit. 


o performances in each city. of the “Ges 
peri Ces 1n CN Cts . 2 hd Tele Blondes” 
breathes personality and meets PUBLIX ARTIST PLAYED trip will 

and | sarah in ‘the most gracious ) pase 


one day 

in every 

may avail 

; i rossible pu 

role since Betty Bronson. an un-| od 
( Stella Stepanoff, who is appearing at the 


om : . the.........Theatre||| an added 
was lifted to fame by selection this week with Matthew Vodnoy in “Ri ussian Revels,”’ is the ||| for one 4 

| wife of Theodore Stepanoff who is well known as a former part- ances. 

ner of Pavlowa. Stella Stepanoff came to the U. § five years ago we are 


LOUIS BERKOFF BORN 
WITH DANCING SHOES 


eee Z agi as 4 “ ia efoie 8) 4 a. frou t 
Louis Berkoff, | createst dancers that have ever| ever appeared in Russia and in/~ ming to this count ry | - he 
broth er 2 red in| z ‘ és : : Mrs. Ste panoff dancer d with her | lieve that 
riatcatig hae 7... | appeared on the stage They| Europe. After coming to thi 
cee Oe : the stage. By g 


Frieda and Louis Berkoff, former featured prince 


wich Village Follies” and othe 


ips ing in the Publix stage show, 


“esouchasdea emarin| WITH PAVLOWAYS SHOW 


Sei ctninenpennienes 


stay in Ne 


show. with Pavlowa. 
days in Chi 


r a successful tour of the 


| with her husband. Both were in the s; ame 
a After 


Louis was literally born in|country with this show, Miss||| that Miss ie 
idanecing shoes. He made his hie epanoff joined a Russie an act an opportum 


This act 


first appearance at the age of - ) 
gtrane : : loudly acclaimed as excellent || 
|éverywhere they pl ayed. [t 


five with his father, Albert 
| Berkoff, who headed one of the| | toured the Keith and Or pheum 
circuits and cause; la sensation. 


greatest that | 


was||| Of course ghe 
ill for appearan 
views at ll ti 
dio will pay 


dance ing’ the time 


troupes 


>| famous husband in the Imperial ling to pa ra 


" 7 young Rerk : F 
| come from a talen ted family of country young Berkoff, at the} i Ra issian sallet. In England / expenses 
age of fourteen, started to win they danced with ‘ ‘Betty’ and fare and he 
eee og ' ‘Mh ) VO staca hi lo ; 
|recognition in vaudeville, Later | Th © Boy,” two stage hits. r and 
chee ey also entertained England | might be v 
he teamed with his younger sis- ‘at Daly 8 Theatre, London. || assign one « 


ter Frieda, and after 


a sensa- 


join the P ty 
order that 


. | 
tional vaudeville tour that last- 


the maxim 
|ed several years, they were R ; her tri 
y_were'!| Ruth’s Ro | Pp. 
booked to play in the ‘‘Green- pwning ' 7 peri d 
be ig i age Pee OR, go and meets 
‘wich Village Follies’’ on Broad- | ae men ple and 


| way, 


So great was their suc-| 


Me ve racio’ 
| The complete itiners ary of will cj Ba 
cess that they were held over Miss Ruth Taylor's coming 4 ‘= 
k | personal appearance tour of tion whe wih 
| ror the two ensuing edit tions of ord lear ding Publ ix Theatres The mone 
| ’ : : pe announced in the i 
ithe ‘‘Follies.’? In << Helen of|| next issue of Publix ana 
. a r . t wil J | , iat ; 
Troy, New York,”’ they were “i yi ee the 
pail i ates tebe: | 7 > pl arrive and 
4 : : SAVE eg 4 
y Broadway Musial bite, aon other | le ter featured for more than a} wit Fer city where she 
“Russian Revels,” 


i year on Broadway. 


yf 


aT hie 


PUBLIX OPINION, DECEMBER 31st, 


1927 


3 


PUBLIX PEPPED BY STARS’ PREMIUMS 


:NTIRE CIRCUIT 
REPRESENTED IN 
STAR PRIZE LIST 


When Publix made the an- 
ouncement that famous stars of 
he screen would present personal 
vizes for . outstanding exploita- 
ion, publicity and advertising 
ampaigns during the months of | 
yetober and November, 1927, it 
vas expected that the offers would 
timulate added enthusiasm and 
incerity throughout the circuit. 
‘he announcement did far more 
han that, it aroused a spirit of 
nergetic competition that has re- 
ulted in unusual box office re- 
urns from one end of the chain 
9 the other. The contest was 
ride Open to all Publix managers 
neluding affiliated operations and 
rom every house listed has come, 
ot one, but many campaign rec- 
rds which stand high in the pro- 
,otion history of this business. 

New ideas have cropped out 
nd old ones have been given 
ew treatment. The generosity 
f the stars in offering personal 
ifts has been rewarded in splen- 
id style and Publix gratitude has 
een expressed in the tangible 
orm of generous sales reports. 
‘he bond of friendship and co- 
peration between picture pro- 
ucers and exhibitors has been 
emented more securely and a 
ermanent spirit of good will es- 
ublished between various depart- 
ents. | 

The task of judging and award- 
ig the prizes has been a difficult 
ne for the Drive Committee. 
ach campaign submitted was 
fudied carefully and every pos- 
ble element considered to guar- 
ntee a fair decision. In almost 
rery instance, the prizes were 
warded. for’ practical, money- 
aking campaigns including 
yectacular bally-hoos. The char- 
ster of the paid advertising and 
le amount of money spent were 
vo of the important factors in 
stermining the winners. The 
impaigns outlined herewith do 
ot tell the entire story of each 
inning engagement. Weather 
nditions, business conditions, 
pposition, size of theatre, loca- 
on, etc., etc., were fully analyzed 
afore the premiums were finally 
resented. : 


UNDERWORLD” GETS LASKY 
CHECK FOR J. P. HARRISON 


The Jesse Lasky second award 
f $200 was made to Manager 

P. Harrison of Waco, by 
1e unanimous consent of the 
ldges. Harrison advertised and 
xploited two attractions within 
1€ specified period, and either 
ampaign would have justified the 
ward on a comparative basis 
otwithstanding the unusual 
ierit of the majority of Para- 


H 


IP HIP HOORAY! 


‘WON BY MANAGER 
GUY KENIMER 


The highlights of Guy Keni- 


lount Campaigns everywhere over 
le Publix Circuit. Consider Har- 
son’s campaign on UNDER- 
TORLD which utilized the ideas 
nd advertisements suggested in 
1¢ Publix Manual. These, mere 
ecessories to an imaginative and 
iysterious sign device which set 
le entire town of Waco talking 
bout Paramount and UNDER- 
‘ORLD. In working this device, 
arrison deserves to be com- 
ended for capitalizing upon an 
lea originated by Mgr. Amos of 
. Petersburg. The device refer- 
d to, was projecting the shadow 
ade from the cut-out of a tin 
ind about the size of the average 
and, as a weird sign on a build- 
§ across the street. Harrison re- 
vised this idea using it a week 
. advance, 


(Continued on Page 7) 


v 


mer’s campaign, which won for 
him the Louis Wolheim wrist 
watch, were the tie-up with the 
Yellow Cabs, a Ballyhoo using two 
boys on donkeys, and a football 
parade and stunt which consisted 
of having boys dressed as comical 
soldiers who distributed heralds 
at the football stadium during a 
major football game in advance 
of the Florida showing of TWO 
ARABIAN KNIGHTS. 


A midnight show attributed to 
the unusual gross business which 


helped win the prize, also a spe- 


cial students matinee which cul- 
minated in record-breaking busi- 
ness.. 


CAMPAIGN BEST 


FOR BILLIE DOVE 
“Eee ae oe 

The Humidore awarded by sillie 
Dove was won by Tom Holliday 
of the Imperial, Columbus, chiefly 
because he has already established 
this star as a box-office favorite 
in his town. . He therefore gave 
unusual prominence to her name 
in all his conventional advertising 
in connection with First National’s 
“THE AMERICAN BEAUT ¥.” 
Cut-outs and photographs of Billie 
Dove were used as the main at- 
traction in all outdoor cooperative 
displays, and among other stunts 
a special lobby arrangement was 
devised featuring the star’s pic- 
ture right in the center of a huge 
American Beauty rose. 


St. Petersburg gasped, stopped, shouted, then stormed the Florida Theatre to see Clara Bow in ‘‘Hula”’ 
all of which meant that Charlie Amos won Jesse Ll. Lasky’s cash prize of $300 for the best cam- 
paign on a Paramount Picture during: October and November. 


WOLHEIM WATCH TOM HOLLIDAY’S |How Mgr. Carroll 


Sold ‘“‘The Rose of 
The Golden West’”’ 


Among the highlights of a 
spectacular campaign, a special ad 
in a Spanish paper in connection 
with ROSE OF THE GOLDEN 
WEST, and a tie-up with the lead- 
ing cigar stores and high schools, 


and Junior High School, won for 
|Mer. John Carroll of The Tampa, 
Tampa the Silver Cigarette Box, 
awarded by Mary Astor, for the 
best campaign in connection with 
one of her First National pictures. 


A great many excellent reports 
were submitted on this picture 
but after every consideration Car- 
roll’s campaign was decided to be 
the winner. Previous business and 
eareful expenditures were also 
leading faetors in making his re- 
port an unusual one. 


iSKY AWARD WON BY CHARLIE AMOS 


| 
| 


“HULA” CAMPAIGN 
MOST PRACTICAL 
OF BIG CONTEST 


The Jesse Lasky cash prizes rep- 
resenting two awards, the first 
prize $300, won by Manager 
Charles Amos of the Florida 
Theatre, St. Petersburg; the sec- 
ond award of $200, won by Man- 


lager J. P. Harrison of the Hip- 


podrome Theatre, Waco. 

The award made by Mr. Lasky 
for the best advertising and pub- 
licity campaign on any Paramount 
picture during a specified time 
might have been won by Mr. Amos 
on a number of counts, for the 
Florida Theatre plays Paramount 
pictures continuously, and it is 
hard to tell which of Mr. Amos’s 
imaginative campaigns was the 
most skillful and effective... How- 
ever, the first award is made to 
Charles Amos with a unanimous 
vote on the part of the judges, 
especially because of his campaign 
on HULA, which played a 2-day 
engagement, October 12th and 
13th. 

In preparation for HULA, the 
campaign of Mr. Amos’s started 
two weeks in advance with a 24- 
sheet banner on a building on the 
Main street of the city, spotted 
with light from across the street 
at night. Twelve small cut-outs 
of Clara Bow in costume were used 
on soda fountains, beach stands 
and windows, and as the play-date 
approached, these displays .were 
tied-up with a music store which 
resulted in a large window display 
on the main street with an elec- 
tric Victrola playing . Hawaiian 
music in the window during the 
evenings. 

Unfortunately, space does not 
permit a description of the work- 
ings of one outstanding device 
which probably sold the most tick- 
ets for the Florida Theatre. Briefly 
described, this’ was a life-size cut- 
out of Clara Bow arranged mech- 
anically so that Clara appeared to 
be dancing The Hula. The mechan- 
ical figure had a real grass skirt, 
reaL-flowers, and other effects to 
make it life-like, and was ar- 
ranged in a hut made out of palm 
leaves. The entire display was 
illuminated, and had the -advan- 
tage of the best locations in St. 
Petersburg. Manager Amos ad- 
vises, this ‘ianocent”’ display was 
so life-like that some of the ‘old 
folks’’ called on the police depart- 
ment to have it stopped. But the 
police refused to remove it. 

Understand, this was all ad- 
vance advertising, with various de- 
vices added to the campaign as 
the play-date approached. There 
was, for instance, a 40-foot ban- 
ner hung from the top of the 
theatre’ building, advance pro- 
grams inserted in laundry pack- 
ages, and in all packages distrib- 
uted by cleaning establishments. 
Rear-tire announcements were 
used on the back of all taxicabs. 

One of the most effective things 
that Amos does when he is after 
unusual results with an outstand- 
ing picture is, to put over a stage 
stunt which is decidedly an enter- 
taining act, but nevertheless an 
advertisement for his coming at- 
traction. We emphasize an act 
which Amos devised using local 
talent, 8 girls in Hawaiian cos- 
tume on the stage doing a novelty 
act with the advance trailer. 

It is hard to do justice in a de- 
scription to the campaign that won 
Mr. Lasky’s first prize, $300 
award, for the mere fact that. this 
great campaign was effective be- 
cause it was subtle. We would 
say the award was made on the 
basis of imagination which Mr. 
Amos used in devising plans which 
make the most forceful and effec- 
tive impression for the least cost. 
And cost has been an item to con- 
sider in St. Petersburg ever since 
the Florida boom. 


wil 


Ayana 


4 


ens otimon, rere 
| DAVIDSON ANDIRVIN GRAB ;."e~,, BEBE DANIELS WAT 
BEERY AND HATTON GIFTS "== "=> WOODS WITH “SWIM 


Mer. Floyd of the Queen, Hous: 
ton won the Charlie Murray Sil-| Tie-Ups and School B ckk 


Big Time Stunts Brought Business ver Belt Buckle and Watch Chain | Us for mpd 
1 ; | by the successful way he handled | ed eC 
and Prizes to Aggressive Showmen | (y.. rire of Riley.” An outstand-| a 
Manager C. Clare Woods almost won” 


i jing feature of this advertising : 

| | campaign was, a stunt which Mer. | because of the ‘horns with wae x 

i < é Vi nal ; r | Floyd worked two blocks from the} and BEN HUR, and we must give 

| An airplane (a real one) with the wings off proved | Floyd worked two blocks Ttea of] attractions. He won e must gi ae 
| hich he sold SWIM G@ 


the keynote of an advanced enduring Tun advertising two dummies worked mechanical-| successful manner in w 
> | ly so that one appeared to be talk-| and 3rd. 
ng permission to use all | 


campaign put over by Manager L. E. Davidson of the | ine to the other. The dummies sci ok wetll | 
were worked by a man who op-| advance of play day to sell a picture of 
authorities are usually 


: ; ; Ty 7 : » 7 a 
Prstes Aneatr, Sioux City, which miadi:. bi the our l erated them inside a merchant’s| that the school 
term the more intelligent type entert 


standing results won for him the gold fountain pen |store. These dummies “sold” the 
| merchant’s wares, but every now} accomplished it and these blackboards 
drawings of Daniels 


awarded by Wallace Beery. We wish that space gave | ana then chatted about “The Life = 
us the opportunity to describe how this plane was used. Sa aa. daverticing | wae __cThrough, the sportine eons, ae 
Furthermore, Davidson got the whole community ex- | free, while the merchant paid fo") Wet Tchoytbestpe te department ee "9 
Furthermore, Margot NOW WE'RE IN THE AIR |feyr'nc sfevsixe vocted. [proves te mer a in advance ie 
when it played the Princess | ger ee 
Theatre by arranging with 
a local aviation company to 
send up a plane which 
dropped small parachutes 
to which twenty-five tickets = 
were attached. He also} 
used a daredevil building} 
climber who gave his serv- 
ices in exchange for two| 
tickets; this daredevil un- | 
rolling a banner advertis- | 
ing the show after he had | 
climbed the highest build- | 
ing in Sicux City. 
It was the same attrac- | 
tion, NOW WERE IN) 
THE AIR that won for) 


Warren Irvin of the Caro- | The Drive Committee and all Publix Executives take this occasion to thank the various 
lina Theatre, Charlotte, | screen stars who have so generously donated these valuable gifts to Publix managers. 
Eee Caen a winning eae tetined ereganan are examples of the wholehearted gratitude 
re caapaiieas aa ase appreciation expressed from every Publix Theatre Manager, Press Representative 
series of teaser newspaper | and Home Office Executive. 

ads devised on the caption) Res Lees ae 

“Tindbergh’s only Rival.” | 
A huge cut-out was arrang- | - ———————— 
ed on the theatre marquee Ee 
devised from the 24 sheet. | EARLY BIRD GOT TH e BACON 
It had blinking eyes which | 

could be seen for two) ag ene 
blocks. The gross business; | oe” nee o | 
was almost a record. a ' <S ed 


GIRLS’ FIGURES | 
HELPED HIM WIN 


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Figures don’t lie and cost of | b4 y 
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av SUNRISE" | 


advertising versus results shows 
a comparatively high gross 
business that won for Manager | 
Whitaker of the Imperial 
Theatre, Charlotte, the Esther 
Ralston desk clock. Outstand- 
ing in Mr. Whitaker's cam 
paign as a means of advance 
advertising was a tie-up with | 
the Toledo Scales Co. and the 
use of two thousand novelty | 
heralds. Whitaker opened his | 
Ralston picture on Halloween | 
night. The theatre looked empty 
early in the evening due to the 
social functions and crowds on 
the street. But Whitaker 
proved equal to the emergency. 
He dressed two of his girl 
ushers in bathing suits and ar- 
ranged ribbons bearing the 
title, FIGURES DON’T LIE 
on strips dressed over their 
shoulders, and a sign reading 
the Imperial Theatre placed 
around their waists. These| The Constance Talmadge Photograph Frame was won by M 

é 0 ) Nor 


girls were paraded through the A . 
crowde and through the thea sheville by a campaign, the outstanding device of whict 
ch 


tre. “BREAKFAST AT SUNRISE.” was an unusual lobby for 


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Earl of the Imperial, 


— ee 


PUBLIX OPINION, DECEMBER 3lsr, 1927 


on 


METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER TROPHY TOE. R. ROGERS 


Every school boy in Greenville worked for the Saenger Theatre to win the ‘Drop Kick” prize 


for Manager Dan Burgum. 


BARTHELMESS AND MULHALL PRIZES GO 
TO MISSISSIPPI AND NEW HAMPSHIRE 


SPLENDID WORK WINS FOR MRS. 
IRMA REDDEN AND DAN BURGUM 


JANNINGS PRIZE 
GIVEN TO M’G’R 
CARTWRIGHT 


J. L. Cartwright won the Emil 
annings’ brief case by his clever 
xploitation of THE WAY OF ALL 
‘LESH when it played the Cap- 
(ol, Macon, three days, October 
‘th, 28th and 29th. This cam- 
aign was tied .in with the gen- 
ral advertising for the Publix 
larvest Month Drive. Outstanding 
mphasis was given THE WAY OF 
.LL FLESH, however, by an ex- 
eedingly effective single page, co- 
perative spread. 

Manager Cartwright got the 
Lost newspaper representation for 
he least money of any manager 
n the circuit who played this Jan- 
ings’ attraction, including an ex- 
eptional review written by Fanny 
‘artill. 

Emphasis was given to this par- 
cular picture by street Danners 


nd window displays and addi-|. 


ional outdoor advertising. All 
1ings taken inte consideration, 
omparatively Cartwright got the 
est results with this picture, 
cope of campaign and nominal 
osts taken into consideration. 


The committee of awards got 
no greater satisfaction than the 
inspiration of realizing that cam- 
paigns sent in by Mgr. Dan Bur- 
gum of the Saenger Theatre, 
Greenville, Miss., and Mrs. Ima 
M. Redden, of the Lyric Theatre, 


Dover, N. H., were on a com- 
parative basis, entitled to an 
award. Greenville, Miss. has a 


population of 11,500. We do not 
know all of the physical character- 
istics of the theatre. Dover has a 
population of from 14,000 to 
15,000, and Mrs. Redden’s theatre, 
The Lyric, is what is termed a 
Class B or Class C operation. And 


— BAGS BAGGED BAG 


One of the outstanding ex- 
ploitation stunts in The 
Strand, Knoxville campaign 


for SMILE, BROTHER, 
SMILE, which won for Mgr. 
Helms the Dorothy Mackaill 
Golf Bag, was a lobby dis- 


play of trunks and hand 


bags. 


LAYMOND JONES CLEANED UP 
ON “SHANGHAI BOUND” 


Nix Desk Set Won by Splendid Work 
And Huge Box Office Response 


Name of Dix was of course 
layed strong in all ads. Jones 
und out that Tex O’Reilly, au- 
lor, was former managing editor 


f San Antonio Light, and broke. 


‘ont page with it Saturday of 
ening, with stories running dur- 
ig week. Four days in advance, 
x high school Fords were paint- 
i.in Chinese designs, with the 
ords “Shanghai Bound,” on 
lem,.and were driven all week 
y their owners for two passes 
ich. Window displays of stills 
the picture were obtained, with 
rner cards on stills. 

High school night was inaugu- 
ited Friday of Richard Dix’s en- 
igement. Cheer leaders of both 


senior high schools were present 
on the stage, and pep squads were 
in reserved sections in the au- 
dience. Al Morey and the Merry 
Mad Gang, and Muth the Or- 
ganist, played popular high school 
songs. Announcement was made 
that every Friday night would be 
high school night, with extra acts 


of entertainment furnished by the 
students themselves henceforth. 

Special Chinese front was built 
by Wellington, artist, which at- 
tracted considerable comment 
during week. Special Lobby, 
trailers, posting and ads used in 
advance, 


it is an upstairs house with all 
seats on the second floor. 


We call these contests with the 
awards offered through the cour- 
tesies of the stars and Production 
companies, a success when they 
inspire to unusual efforts the 
Managers in the smaller opera- 
tions and smaller towns who or- 
dinarily tend to assume that they 
do not have a chance. Neither 
this Saenger operation in Green- 
ville, nor the Lyric Theatre, oper- 
ated in Dover are tied-up system- 
atically with the Home Office Ad- 
vertising Department, but all 
these associations of Publix were 
eligible to the. prize awards. 
How many of the men directly as- 
sociated with the Publix Advertis- 
ing Department, representing the 
smaller operations, and Class B 
theatres feel that they did not 
have a chance?- No one made a 
more sane and sincere effort to 


put a picture over to its max-° 


imum possibilities than Mrs. Ima 
M. Redden when she handled 
THE POOR NUT, starring Jack 
Mulhall. She doesn’t smoke but 
her husband does, and we con- 
gratulate her on winning the Jack 
Mulhall Cigarette Case. As Mrs. 
Redden says, after the contest 
announcements she studied her 
bookings, and then decided to ex- 
ploit in an unusual fashion the 
picture which warranted the 
greatest effort. The highlights of 
her campaign were, effective news- 
paper ads and representation, and 
a ballyhoo effective in bucking 
cold and snowy weather~ that 
would chill the initiative of some 
of the boys in the B operations 
in the warmer climates. 


When the size of the town is 
taken into consideration Dan 
Burgum tended to win the award 
on the creditability of his news- 
paper ads and representation. He 
won the Golf Sticks awarded by 
Richard Barthelmess, and the pic- 
ture was THE DROP KICK. And 
Mr. Burgum got results, and the 
Greenville High School team and 
the Moorhead High School team 
helped him get them. The Green- 
ville team was the theatre’s guests 
on the night of the opening, and 
Mer. Burgum had the privilege of 
advertising the picture THE 


| these two attractions. 
| were turned in from everywhere. 


Manager T. W. Erwin’s 
Teaser Campaign for 
Menjou 


Based on comparisons Manager 
T. W. Erwin got gross. results 
with “A Gentleman from Paris” 
sufficient to prove that the merit 
of his Adolphe Menjou campaign 
was sufficiently outstanding. to 
win the set of studs and cuff links. 
Only a nominal amount of news- 
paper space was bought and paid 
for. But a series of teaser ads 
had unusual force because of the 
contest. Pictures of Menjou were 
published on certain days in which 
this star had on his high hat, 
while in another series Adolphe 
was pictured without his hat. 
“What’s Wrong with this Series 
of Advertisements’? was the con- 
test caption. Strange to say, none 
of the answers received were cor- 
rect, though the ten tickets of- 
fered as a prize were sent out to 
the ten most effective answers. 
The entire campaign was based 
on a slogan line used in outdoor 
billing and advertisements play- 
ing up Menjou.as the “Prince of 
High Hats — Not Slim  Lind- 
bergh.”’ 


SLENTZ HAD BEST 
JESSE JAMES 
RESULTS 


Unusual gross business, the re- 
sult of effective advertising, won 
for Roy Slentz the Fred Thompson 
wrist watch when he was manag- 
ing the Rialto Theatre, Colorado 
Springs. Outstanding-in his cam- 
paign was ‘the fact that Slentz 
revised and used the series of “‘If 
I were you’’ newspaper ads, tie- 
ing up such personalities as the 
Chief of Police and other chiefs 
of long order, veritable endorse- 
ment of the authorities to the 
Jesse James picture which sold 
the star, Fred Thompson, as ‘“‘The 
Lovable Outlaw,’ “A man more 
sinned against than sinning,” was 
another effective caption broad- 
casted by every means at his dis- 
posal. There were additional hook- 
ups with the podlice department 
and all the regular advertising de- 
vices were used. 


Banky-Coleman 
Prize To Taylor 


(Continued from Page 4) 
on Wednesday. Thirty community 
and suburban newspapers contrib- 
uted regular space to current and 
forthcoming shows. Five of these 
used, as usual, three column cuts, 
four two column cuts and three 
one column cuts. 100 window 
cards were used in best windows. 
Trailers, program, lobby display, 
etce., as usual. Pictures of Alex 
Hyde in both roto sections, also 
picture of Albertina Rasch girls. 


DROP KICK at the football game 
between these two teams. The 
day before the showing he had 
the team in front of the theatre 
in uniform guarding the display 
of the prize football, which it was 
advertised would be awarded to 
the one who caught it when it 
was kicked from the roof of the 
theatre by the captain of the 
team. In this small town the 
stunt attracted-so much attention 
that traffic was stopped, and an 
entire section had to be roped off 
by the police, including a delay of 
street car traffic. 


CHATTANOOGA MANAGER SCORES 
WITH “BIG PARADE” CAMPAIGN 


We do not know whether it was the Metro Goldwyn silver loving 
/cup to be awarded for the best Metro picture campaign or the fact 
that all managers on the Publix circuit were keyed up to the merit 
of the road show successes BEN HUR and the BIG PARADE which 
resulted in the outstanding advertising from all over the circuit on 
Exceptional campaigns and exceptional results 


Practically every manager who 
played these pictures deserves 
honorable mention, and if we had 
a second award to make, it would 
certainly go to Mr. Woods of the 
Colorado Theatre, Pueblo. But the 
committee gives first honors to 
kK. R. Rogers of the Tivoli Theatre, 
Chattanooga, and unanimously 
awards to him the silver loving 
cup, This award was based on 
his campaign on THE BIG PA- 
RADE which when played was vir- 
tually playing a fourth run in 
Chattanooga. 

Rogers in his advertising created 
the desire for people to see this 
attraction again and again. His 
devices were creative and emo- 
tional as well as informative, in- 
cluding a detachment of soldiers 
who did guard duty night and day 
in front of the theatre, the presen- 
tation depicting the band in war- 
time France, all members in uni- 
form and the musie director Keese 
wearing a uniform of captain. 
Then there was a festival of song 
in which the audience was asked 
to sign with the members of the 
band the popular tunes of ten 
years ago when the Big Parade 
was an actuality. Special tie-up 
song sheets were distributed for 
this occasion through outside sour- 
ces and within the theatre during 
run, 


The newspaper representation 
and the quality and effectiveness 
of the publicity and the reviews 
had that freshness so essential to 
Success, despite the fact that 
Papers had handled the attraction 
twice before when it played the 
Bijou as a road show and on a 
third occasion when it was brought 
to the auditorium through the 
auspices of the American Legion. 


We hand it to Mr. Rogers for 
advertising THE BIG PARADE af- 
fectively and campaigning it with 
all the enthusiasm that any man- 
ager might handle a brand new 
attraction which had never been 
Previously played. 


F. J. MILLER WINS 
CHESTER CONKLIN 
SPOTLIGHT 


A large headlight which was 
wired and illuminated and placed 
on a huge beaver board cut-out 
of a locomotive appears to be one 
of the effective things in a cam- 
paign which won for Manager F. J. 


Miller of the Modjeska Theatre, 
Augusta, Georgia, the appropriate 
prize of an automobile spotlight 
donated by Chester Conklin. The 
picture was TELL IT TO SWER- 
NY, and Manager Miller’s box of- 
fice results entitled him to first 
consideration. 

There was a tie-up with the 
master mechanics and foremen of 
the local railroad shops whereby 
a notice was placed for the special 
attention of all the shop em- 
ployees. Obviously, the railroad 
shop men attended this farce com- 
edy as evidenced by the increased 
business over any previous Mon- 
day and Tuesday for the past six 
months. Any good treatment of 
a railroad subject always makes a 
hit in Augusta and Manager Miller 
knows how to reach a receptive 
audience. 

If we had space to give you all 
the facts, you would be convinced 
that no other campaign on TELL 
IT TO SWEENY approached this 
one. 


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A Great Picture for Kids 


M. W. KORACH WINS MUCH 
COVETED SILVER CHEST 
AGAINST STRONG FIELD 


5 : toe dade 
: st of Silver which Mary Pickford offered as a prize . 
eo aanaine advertising campaign in a Publix theatre =a edge 
loitation of her picture MY BEST GIRL inspired every ma: ght 
pouenons! efforts. All a groan were the maximum in scope, 

i e highest stand- | ————_—___—_—_——————————— 
oan frdcoadinente “advertising, | 9th. This was the Camp Fire Girls 
backed up by forceful billboard | party, a yearly event in Omcke- 
and outdoor displays. The judges|but this time tied-up with t : 
in making this award had to bear | Rialto Theatre in the interests 2 
in mind the variation in the po-|MY BEST GIRL. The one a 
tential possibilities of the numer-|Camp Fire Girls Doll Shop e 
ous towns and cities where MY | been established for 4 years. Eac 
BEST GIRL played, and it wasjyear in Novetnber the girls take 
obvious that the award would g0/up a collection of old dolls, to be 
to the manager who devised the /|re-painted and re-dressed, and .to 
most imaginative plan, incorporat-|be made by them into new ones, 
ing news values, resulting.in an|in time for distribution to the 
unusual scope of publicity in com-|poor children at Christmas-time. 
parison with cost. On this basis, | Formerly these dolls had been col- 
and also on the basis ofthe re-|lected through the schools and 
sults, the Chest of Silver from other sources. This year they 
Miss Pickford was awarded to M.|were collected at the movie party 
W. Korach of the Rialto Theatre, |given by the Rialto Theatre man- 
Omaha. ager. The admittance to this 

Korach played MY BEST GIRL |Mary Pickford show on Novem- 
the week of November 19th.|ber 19th was a used doll, or a 
The daily publicity which broad-|used toy. The dolls collected 
easted for 10 days beforehand this |through this activity were turned 
Mary Pickford attraction, was due|over to the Boy Scouts, to be re- 
chiefly to the “party” that Mgr. | painted, repaired and re-juvenat- 
Korach arranged Mary Pickfordjed. The local business and social 
should sponsor; held in his thea-|clubs, and the newspapers sup- 
tre on Saturday morning November (Continued on Page 7) 


CEES TRE TR VEE FEST F rs 


% ety 


eS ye 


Photo Play Theatre 


Sai 


Hugh Smart of the Strand 
Theatre, Montgomery, Ala- 
bama, won the Military 
Brushes presented by Milton 
Sills, on the strength of a 
spectacular newspaper cam- 
paign on First National's 
“Hard Boiled Haggarty.” 
His advertisements were un- 
usually clever and eye-catch- 
ing despite a limited amount 
of space used. Of course, 
the newspaper display was 
backed by the usual run of 
outdoor bill posting. His 
lobby display was also a 
feature worthy of special 
consideration in awarding 
the prize. 


NEWSPAPER ADS WON 
BEN LYON HARVEST PRIZE 


Effective, clean-cut newspaper 
advertising on “The Love Of 
Mike,” a First National picture, 
helped the judges in awarding the 
Leather Wallet and card case 
given by Ben Lyon to Manage 
T. Y. Walker of the Noble Theatre, 
Anniston, Alabama. Walker’s copy 
is always convincing and well ar- 
ranged but for this picture, he 
outdid himself with some particu- 
larly good lay-outs which literally 
talked out loud. 


The balance of the “Love of 


Mike” ‘campaign was equally as 


“MY BEST : 
GIRL © \. 


Sinakt fo". 
the PAVE 


er | placed in just the 


% 


ae 
we 


but the Winning Campaign brought the Family 


CLARA BOW'S DESK 1 


w bronze desk lamp was @ i 
is Hula campaign, October! 
paign was exceedingly clever and avolieue 


$s more churche 
community is exceptionally conser- 
vative even for a town that does 
not have Sunday shows, and we 
hand it to Manager Perrin for 
conceiving a campaign decidedly 
clever in its appeal to the college 
community and young folks while 


than any other town of ite am 


- 


|a number of 
| nouncements 
|ment stores) 
| fountain — 


avoided a number of pitfalls | 
lat might have offended the ul-} 


iservative 
fly, the campaign was note- 
because of the advertising 
Which started two weeks’ in ad- 
| Vance This advance advertising 
did not conflict with the current 
or earlier attractions and included 


worthy 


| effective 


Little money was spent 
but every 


Penny seemed to be 
right way to get 
Outdoor adver- 
tising was consistent and the lobby 
| display attractive, 

| News 


ithe best results. 


Spaper advertisements had 
much to do with the final awards 
;}and many fine specimens were 
ie in ad records, however 


| on this picture, Manager Walker’s 


were the best of all. 


title, 


Other spe 
sisted of F 
nouncemen 
sonal " 
door, a i 
tioned “Sh 
special wh < 
Bow hats in 


“We en 


a a se 


\ 


PUBLIX OPINION, DECEMBER 3lsr, 1927 


" 
| 


TO SIR 


t t think of three of 
Sir Harry Lauder’s cou- 


fact, however. . 
The cousins of the great Scot 
sh comedian are none other 
an the three Ormond Sisters 
te ) are appearing in the Publix 
ie production, “Russian Re- 
Is.” And not only are the 
ters really cousins of Sir 
Jarry, but they’re just as Scotch 


s a bowl of haggis. They were’ 


laying in vaudeville for three 
ears and for some time were 
eatured with Ed Wynn in “The 
zrab Bag” before they ever re- 
ealed the fact of their relation- 


hip to one of stageland’s great- 


st characters. | 
Only after a great deal of per- 
uasion did they admit that they 
vere “kinfolk wi’ heem.” Oh 
res, the delightful burr with 
vhich they talk and sing is en- 
irely natural and did not have to 
e cultivated. In fact, it is so 
atural that, upon the occasion 
f their first appearance in this 
ountry, they took special lessons 
n diction to soften the burr for 
\merican ears. 

But to get back to the three 
ittle lassies and the cousin, Sir 
Tarry. It is on their mother’s 


ide of the family that they are | 


elated, although their father, 
oseph Ormond, was the close 
riend of Sir Harry Lauder 
vhen they were boys in school 
ogether in Scotland. 

Mr. Ormond and Sir Harry 
ised to be dancing partners when 
he latter knew more about coal 
nining than he did about the 


» Three-Ormond Sisters, Nora, Carrie and Daisy, appearing in 
“Revels,” are close relatives of Sir Harry Lauder, but 
i to succeed on Own merits and kept fact ai secret. 


REE BONNIE LASSIES 
_ AN’ RELATED TO LAUDER 


<EE OF FAMOUS COMEDIAN’S KIN 
_ KEPT SECRET RELATIONSHIP 


the cele- 


HOOT MON!-THEYRE HARRY’S _ ||| Omaha Man Wins 


dl 


HARRY 


stage. It was at times when 
work was over that they used to 
appear as a dancing team at a 
little outdoor amusement place 
near Glasgow, known as “The 
Moss.” . Later Mr. Ormond 
went into trade in Glasgow, 
opening there the first store in 
Scotland where Sir. Thomas 
Lipton’s teas were sold. 


Daisy, Nora and Carrie are 
the first names of .these agile 
dancers and tuneful singers in’ 
“Russian Revels.” They have 
been an outstanding feature in 
not only “The Grab Bag,” but 
in “Make It Snappy,” with Ed- 
die Cantor, “The Greenwich 
Village Follies,” “The Music 
Box Reyue” and numerous other 
Broadway musical hits. 


Their theatrical education be- 
gan in Scotland at an early age, 
with dancing instruction from 
their father, and lessons in sing- 
ing from their mother, who had 
won renown on the concert 
stage under the name of Mary 
Gray. They first attracted at- 
tention abroad as the John Tiller 
Baby Troupe when they appear- 
ed at the Alhambra Theatre in 
Paris in the concert company of 
their cousin, Sir Harry Lauder. 
Since their first appearance in 
this country they have been an 
unequivocal success. And that 
they have inherited the true Scot- 
tish instinct for thrift is evi- 
denced by the fact that they re- 
cently purchased a $35,000 home 
on Long Island, New York, for 
their parents, with whom they 
live when not on_tour. 


Asked why they waited so long 
to make known their relation- 
ship to Sir Harry Lauder, the 
Ormonds said they did not de- 
sire to trade on ‘his reputation, 
preferring to succeed on their 
own merits, or not at all. If 
anyone doubts that they have 
succeeded, let them drop in at 
the Theatre and see 
these three bonnie lassies sing 
and dance ir “Russian Revels.” 


see ee ee eee 


|spread publicity to the event 


| Pickford in MY BEST GIRL. 


Pickford Prize 


(Continued from Page 6) . 
ported Korach’s plan. Miss Pick- 
ford-sponsored the party by a wire 
which contained a special message 
of urge and welcome to the oc-| 
casion. The newspapers gave wide 
of.| 
course, including mention of Mary | 


Mer. Korach started his regular ) 
advertising two weeks in advance, | 
and in addition to the Christmas | 
party just mentioned, was ‘success- 
ful in getting the Bee- News to} 
inaugurate a MY BEST GIRL | 
eontest such as that described in 
the Manual and press material. 
Other important angles to the 
campaign included broadcasting a_ 
Radio announcement of the pic- 
ture every day for two weeks, the 
arrangement of 3 major displays 
with 3 department stores, the co- 
operation of book stores, the ’5 | 
and 10’, and some special adver- 
tising in the German, Italian and 
Swedish newspapers. The scope 
of his campaign, the resourceful- 
ness, and imaginative qualities of 
the work of Mer. Korach would 
on the basis of comparisons have 
entitled him to this Mary Pickford 
prize, to say nothing of the fact 
that he got record-breaking re- 
sults too, in competition with the 
de luxe Publix attractions this 
year at his chief opposition the 
new Riviera Theatre, Omaha. 


Berkoff Girls 
Well Trained 


The eight Berkoff Girls 
whose sensational dance rou- 
tines are one of the outstanding’ 
features of “Russian Revels,” 
are making their first appear- 
ahce as a unit in this Publix 
stage production. These girls, 
ranging in age from sixteen to 
twenty, are all products of Hol- 
lywood, California, and under- 
went a rigorous six months 
course of training under the 
direction of Louis and Frieda 
Berkoff before they were sent 
out as a troupe. Each one-of. 
the girls has enough talent to 
appear as a specialty dancer in 
any musical production now 
playing on Broadway. 
girls in the troupe are Buddy 
Bushman, Jean Joice, Joy Rich, 
Shirley Faire, Dorothy Lyons, 
Billie Toy, Buddy La Vonne 
and Ivy Carnette. 


| DADDY, BU 


The | 


Y ME: TRA 


A bevy of Spanish beauties who will appear in the forthcoming 
Publix show, ‘‘Havana,’’ pose with expensive drape. 


BEAUTY IN “HAVANA” 
WITH $25,000 SHAWL 


DOROTHY BERKE WILL WEAR DRAPE 
TWO CENTURIES OLD AND 
INSURED FOR $20,000 


A $25,000 Spanish shawl, 
made by hand nearly two cen- 
‘turies ago, is one of the stage 
properties to be seen in Jack 
Partington’s “Havana” which 
will soon tour the Publix Cir- 
cuit. 

The shawl will be worn by 
Miss Dorothy Berke (who has. 
conducted dancing: classes in 
Cleveland, Baltimore, Chicago, 
Denver and Memphis with her 
husband, Boris Petroff) in a 
wild, modern ballroom dance 
called “Jai Alia Tango.” This 
dance is now the rage of the 
Cuban capitol. It is inspired 
by the swift indoor game of 
“Jai Ali” which, after becoming 
a Spanish national sport replac- 
ing bull fighting, captured 
Mexico, Cuba and South Amer- 
ican countries, and swept its 
way across to Florida, and 
even into several northern 
American cities. The “Jai Ali 
Tango” bids fair to become as 
popular as the sport. 


The shawl which Miss Berke 
wears was presented by King 
Alphonse of Spain to Maria 
Monterro, famous spanish _bal- 
lerina. Senorita Monterro loan- 
ed the precious drape to Miss 
Berke, who is her closest friend. 
Miss Berke has had it insured 
for $20,000 by Lloyds, and each 
night has it locked in the thea- 
tre vault for safe keeping. The 
shawl is made of silk nearly a 
sixteenth of an inch thick. It 
is figured with peacocks, and 
romantic scenes in a dozen bril- 
liant. colors. “Havana,” in 
which Miss Berke will appear, 
will be a swift, colorful glimpse 
of Cuba at play in the brilliant 
society cafes and casinos of 
Havana. A score of beauties, 


‘in native dances and songs, with 
a number of famous Broadway 
stars and acts in various roles, 


build up the show in support of 
Miss Berke. 


It was originally intended that Boris Petroff in person 
would be in “Havana” as dancing partner of Miss Berke, 
but the Loew-Publix production department tieup makes 


it impossible for Mr. Petroff 


to make the tour. 


TRAINED FOR MONTHS 
TO PERFECT STEPPING Second Lasky Check 


The Berkoff Dancers highly speci 


alized dancing troupe of beauties, 
whose unison in terpsichorean routines is a big 
feature of “Russian Revels.” 


J. P. Harrison Wins 


(Continued from Page 3) 


He had to kill a couple of 
windows on the building which 
were to ‘‘hold” the shadow, 
by covering them and _ then 
white-washing the front. He had 
a boy operate the spot light. 
This boy would throw the shadow 
of a hand on the street below the 
building. Then this grotesque 
shadow was made to travel slowly- 
up a white banner until the long 
tappering finger of the shadow 
pointed to the title UNDER- 
WORLD. We wish space would 
permit us to describe the entire 
campaign in detail. But suffice to 
say the other items which entered 
into this forceful UNDERWORLD 
campaign of Harrison’s were as 
imaginative as the one just de- 
seribed. And Harrison got results 
that approached a record. 


| 


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ann eee torseossassssonereneassne 7 
Senpeceess ose arescescascatenasacsscasseeseosenes 


essulonenianstasenemnesnasht tasoseseest sores mort 


rarooenenaanesaes 


sestesetepessecneheoes 


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= TS 


| Publix 


Publix Theatres Corporation, Paramount Building, 


You Know What Publicity Will Do For You! 


“Leave no stone unturned to give Publix the 
high standing it holds in the world of theatres.” 


Publix © Opinion 
Published by and for the Press Representatives and Managers of 
PUBLIX THEATRES CORPORATION 
SAM KATZ, President 


A. M. Borsrorp, Dr. Advertising Joun .E. McInerney, Editor 
Contents Strictly Confidential. 


a O) 
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS 


Home-Office, New York City 


Ben Serkowich 
Jack McCurdy ...........:++++-s++-+.Olympia Theatre, New Haven, Conn. 
Vernon Gray . poe cespe secs cus cencessy Metropolitan Theatre, Boston, Mass. 
John McGrail Metropolitan Theatre, Boston, Mass. 
Cc. B. Taylor Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, Buffalo, N. Y. 
Mr. Breretor 
Michigan Theatre, Detroit, Mich. 
Ace Berry Indiana Theatre, Detroit, Mich. 
W. K. Hollander 
Lloyd D. Lewis 
BALSPine: SNe sk ve cei ROR bn ewes -.-.-Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Ill. 
JOHN. JOKED 25555 25 Sack Ces mews a eR RES Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Il. 
Dave Lipton Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Il. 
Ambaasador Theatre, St. Louis, Mo. 
Capitol Theatre, Des Moines, Ia. 
Riviera Theatre, Omaha, Neb. 
Denver Theatre, Denver, Colo. 
Palace Theatre, Dallas, Texas 
Texas Theatre, San Antonio, Tex. 
Metropolitan Theatre, Houston, Tex. 
Sidney Dannenberg Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, Ala. 
Maurice Barr Saenger Theatre, New Orleans 
peed Gagig es Seas Smee Rhus a wale nese Howard Theatre, Atlanta, Ga. 


Promotion 


The election of Sam Dembow, Jr. to the Vice Presidency 
of- Publix Theatres is an inspiring example to the. personnel of 
Publix Theatres Corporation. 

Mr. Dembow. came into the theatre department of Famous 
Players-Lasky before it became Publix, about two and a half 
years ago; and took over the management of the booking and 
buying department. 

When Mr. Katz assumed the presidency of the theatre, and 
the corporation was formed known now as Publix Théatres 
Corporation, he met Mr. Dembow for the first time. The han- 
dling of the bookings over the circuit, and the intelligent man- 
ner of straightening out the buying department, as evidenced 
by Mr. Dembow at that time, could not fail to receive the favor- 
able attention of Mr. Katz, and the progress of Mr. Dembow 
from that point on was rapid. After the resignation of Mr. 
Franklin, a great many of the latter’s duties evolved on Mr. 
Dembow and of late months he has been of personal and prac- 
tical assistance to, Mr. Katz in every detail of the business of 
this vast organization. His election to the vice presidency was 
a matter of recognition of his work of the past two and a half 


years and of the work he is doing at. present. 
The fact that Mr. Dembow, who came as a practical unknown to 
the present executives of Publix, established himself in their minds 


Lou Goldberg 
Raymond Terranella 
Robert Kelley 

Bud Burmester 


so firmly by ability and energy, as to make his rapid advancement | 


a foregone conclusion, is an example of what the possibilities are for 
every member of the Publix family who is willing to let his works 
alone speak for his ability. 

Promotion from within the ranks is the policy of Publix-and this 
has been evidenced with particular force and inspiration to all of us, 
in the election of Sam Dembow, Jr. to the Vice Presidency of Publix 
Theatres—A. M. BOTSFORD. 


Extra Energy 


My attention has just been directed to an incident that I feel 
justifies a few words. 

Mr. Fitzgibbons, in charge of the Eastern Division, was disap- 
pointed at the showing of the Carolina Theatre, Charlotte, N. C., 
during the month of October, and talked with Mr. Irwin, the manager 
of the theatre about this, and Mr. Irwin promised to put on a personal 
drive of his own during the month of November to make up for the 
showing in October. The result of ‘this personal drive was that the 
profits of November were 125% greater than those of October, and, 
as a matter of fact, exceeded most any month at this theatre. 

This merely shows what personal pride and some extra energy 
and pressure will do. As a matter of fact, our business is made up 
of just those possibilities. If you will give some extra pressure, some 
extra energy, the results will justify your efforts. 

God does not choose leaders. He helps those that help themselves. 
He favors the fellow that has got “‘guts’’ enough to put in a fe 
extra hours of real sweat and then rewards him. ‘4 

I do not particularly like similes, yet if you could sit at my desk 
and know what it means for you to put on some extra pressure and 


help us in our problems, I know you would make the supreme effort 


et this time.—Sam Katz. 


BIG DEAL HALTS 
PETROFF'S TOUR 
AROUND CIRCUIT 


Noted Dancer and Pro- 
ducer Postpones Ap- 
pearance in Show 


WANTED! WANTED! 

Publix Opinion 
wants clippings, photos 
and an outline of your 
campaigns on feature 
‘pictures; stage shows; 
institutional matter; 
Organist or master of 
ceremonies. Send ’em 
in sO we can print ’em 
for the guidance of the 
rest of the Publix 
family. Your work 
thus gains recognition 
and at the same time 
aids others. C’mon, 
boys, whose gonna 
break the ice and slip 
us a hot one! No 
Prizes offered! Don’t 
be bashful! Don’t wait 
until you do something 
original! Slip.us what 
you DID. Chances are 
some of your sure-fire 
gags will be just the 
reminder needed by 
someone else who'll do 
the same for you next 
week! 


Requirements of Publix pro 
duction department expansion 
created by the arrangement 
whereby de Luxe theatres oy 
ated by the Loew Circuit wil 
be furnished with Publix en 
tertainment, the proposed tour 
of Boris Petroff in person as 
the star of “Havana,” has been 
cancelled. 

Petroff will remain in Ney 
York to produce new 
shows. However, at some fu 
ture date, he expects to make 
the tour, seeking out talent 
from each city served by Pub 
lix. In the meantime, Jack 
Partington, in association wit] 
Petroff, is putting the finishing 
touches to “Havana,” which 
opens at New Haven on Jan 
7. Miss Dorothy Berke, (who 
in private life is Mrs. Boris 
Petroff) will make the tour. 


DON’T FORGET THE 
FOUR FIRST NATION. 
AL STAR EXPLOITA. 
TION PRIZES FOR 
JANUARY AND FEB. 
RUARY 


| Boston Metropolitan 


New York, Week of Dec, 3lst, 1927 


eR 


What Are You Doing F 


“HELEN OF TROY” 
MOUNT—First National’s big 
Troy” has been booked to play t 
| New York, starting January 7th. 
ithe Globe, one of Broadway's 


| NORMA TALMADGE in ™ 
ithe Rialto, New York on Decemt 
engagement. “ 


| “BEAU SABREUR,” Param 
| to “Beau Geste” will have its Broad 
| Rivoli United Artists Theatre, on 


7 
+ tea 


JESSE CRAWFORD, feature 


| Paramount Theatre, New York, hi 
| new record for Victor containing 
' Sweetheart and Just a Memory. 


ROUTE OF PUBLIX 


FOR WEEK BEG. 


.. Olympia Blue 


Paramount 


| One Week Lay Off 
Buffalo......Shea’s Buffalo 
| Detroit... Michigan 
Indianapolis Indiana 
St. Louis... Ambassador 
Chicago . Chicago 
| Chicago ; Uptown 
| Chicago ..<.. ..» Tivoli 
| Lay Off 
Des Moines .. ....Capitol 
Omaha .. .- Riviera 
Denver .. ...The Denver 
Lay Off 
Dallas ... Palace 
Ft. Worth .. The Worth 
San Antonio.........Texas 
Houston . Metropolitan 
New Orleans Saenger 
Birmingham Alabama 
Atlanta ee Howard 


Fe eee ee ae Tait Rett, Tae ane Tages ee ee Te ee ae te ee 


| ‘Havana 
Dancing Feet 


LLOYD HUGHES SIGNET = 
RING FOR WATSON. 


NO PLACE TO GO is the First | 
National picture featuring Mary | 
Astor and Lioyd Hughes that won | 
| or George Watson of the Spencer | 
Theatre, Rock Island. the Lloyd | 
Hughes Sienet Ring Mer. Wat- 
son's operation permits that he 
nay spend very little money, He} 
ceserves the prize for the effec-| 
ess of his cooperative adver- | 
tisin; Which included a tie-up | 
with several Srocery stores re- 
“uNing in heralds being enclosed 
n all pac kages delivered for three 
prdahas vious to the opening of 
+ pionaite ee also secured and 
[window Fach some unusual 
a bed presenting the Lloyd Hughes 
| Prize to Mr. Watson, the judges 
| wish to point out the fact that | 
ithis prize winning campaign ig 
splendid example of construetive, 
practical work Without extra a 5 
naa Watson sold his pak 
fone Reig are against heavy 
5S 
| ment responded acnotamaty hari 


tiver